Unknown waters

COMMUNICATING with the hosts and the thought of an incompatibility of her taste buds with the local delicacies is the main concerns of Kaitlin Faulkner as she prepares for an international swim meet in Japan this week.

Kaitlin, a Year Nine student at Concordia College, and her school mate Katharina Riehl left yesterday for Nygora where they will represent Queensland against swimmers from Hawaii, Japan and several other Australian States.

"Just talking to them could be a problem," giggled Kaitlin, who admitted both girls studied German as their language at school.

"I think there might be a bit of hand waving and pointing. "And the food as well might be a problem. I'm taking my own."

The girls secured their places in the State team with exceptional performances at the recent Queensland secondary schools' championships in Brisbane.

Kaitlin, in winning the 200-metres Under 14 backstroke in a time of two minutes 21.86 seconds, smashed the old mark of 2:23.38.

That was also the fastest time in that event of any age group.

She also finished second in the 100-metres backstroke. Katharina, 13, won bronze medals in the 50-metres and 200-metres backstroke.

While Katharina was been swimming for as long as she can remember, Kaitlin's prowess in the pool eventuated from humble beginnings.

"Dad bought a boat and I learnt to swim pretty much as a safety precaution," Kaitlin said.